Q&A: St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley
St. Louis Business Journal
January 1, 2010
What are some positives heading into 2010?
The early completion of Interstate 64 and the planned Highway 141 infrastructure expansion will improve transportation and grow our economy. We will continue to build momentum from many of the economic development projects that were announced in the third and fourth quarters of 2009 like Express Scripts' High Volume Filler building, which is expected to create 300 quality jobs, and the $100 million investment of the new NARA facility with its retention of 800 jobs. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and BRDG Park are hubs for promoting and growing biotech and alternative fuel sciences. Gov. Jay Nixon's initiative to attract more science and technology companies to Missouri through the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act is exactly what we need to help transform our economy for the 21st century.
What's the greatest economic challenge facing the county?
My absolute top priority is bringing abundant high-quality jobs to the county. Businesses are rebuilding and new ones are arriving, but job growth is the last critical piece of the puzzle. We have the talent pool. We have more college graduates than any other county or region in the state. What we need is good, high-paying jobs for our skilled workers. Our jobs environment is critical. When we start to see the good, high-paying jobs coming back, then we will know our economy is back on track. Right now, I would say we are in neutral. I'm ready to see us thrive.
I see everything as a series of building blocks. Solid infrastructure allows for increased business development, and with business growth comes hiring. When all these pieces come together, then we can further enhance St. Louis County's position as a strong and prosperous place.
What has the County done to prepare for declines in tax revenue?
We are optimistic the economy will improve and are already seeing signs of it, but we remain cautious. St. Louis County has been very prudent with how it spends money, and like others we are tightening our purse strings, maintaining a firm grip on spending, and freezing salaries for the second year. St. Louis County also will generate new revenue from River City Casino, which will help offset other declines and help maintain the county's quality services and programs.
What planned developments do you hope will move forward in 2010?
We have several significant projects that are moving ahead. Edward Jones will open the expansion of its headquarters later this month. In early March, River City Casino will open its doors and is currently hiring over 1,000 new workers. The construction of Centene's Clayton headquarters is well under way and will welcome law firms Stinson Morrison Hecker into the new building. Schattdecor, a German-based laminate company, is building its only North American facility in St. Louis County. And the Midwest-China Hub Commission is making significant strides in creating a direct trade route with China.
What's an under-the-radar project that will get more attention?
If the economy continues to improve, there are some national retailers that are seriously looking at St. Louis County. These brand name stores will be new to our area and generate economic activity and excitement in our community.
What's one opportunity that's waiting for the right businessperson to seize it?
The 273-acre, former Chrysler site is an asset that provides a tremendous business opportunity for the right developer or business. St. Louis County will work tirelessly with the developer chosen to revitalize the site. It will begin with a comprehensive study to analyze best usage of the site, and I am confident that the new development will allow us to continue to diversify our economic base and provide business and employment opportunities for those who lost their jobs at Chrysler and its suppliers. In addition to studying reuse possibilities for the former Chrysler site, St. Louis County and the region have turned to growth industries such as life sciences, financial services and health care to expand our economic base.
What can be done to improve cooperation among the region's municipal leaders?
The Economic Development Collaborative operated by St. Louis County Economic Council aims to bring communities and stakeholders together to create a more economically viable region. It seeks to establish a link for shared resources and improved communication to move economic development forward.
The collaborative recently completed the first half of a certified economic development course, developed by St. Louis County, Saint Louis University and Urban Land Institute. The program brings together civic leaders, developers and academics to help better understand the complexities of economic development. With 91 municipalities, cooperation is crucial, and the certificate course helps leaders become better informed while opening the lines of communications. The eight-week program has been very successful, and plans are already under way to offer an expanded course again next year.
